The name “Miriam” or “Abataza” means “bitterness,” “rebellion” and “star of the sea.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In some Semitic languages, the transliteration for “Miriam” is identical to “Mary,” testifying to the fact that these names are identical (Arabic and the many translations that are reliant on Arabic: مَرْيَم, Hebrew: מִרְיָם, Ge’ez / Amharic and related languages: ማርያም).
The following is part of an artwork by Indian-German artist Lucy D’Souza-Krone (b. 1949):
“D’Souza’s painting of Miriam dancing at the river is one of a series of ‘Biblical Women’ reproduced as the 1990 Lenten veil of Misereor, Germany. Miriam, the prophetess and sister of Moses and Aaron, celebrated the liberation of her people from their Egyptian oppressors. Her dance was supported by other women who joined with her in an act of celebration. Writing of the story the artist adds that ‘water is a predominant element in the scene reminding us also of the physical hardship facing women in India as they often have to walk many miles for a pot of water.'” (Source for this and the image: The Bible Through Asian Eyes by Masao Takenaka and Ron O’Grady 1991)
The Hebrew that is transliterated as “Deborah” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the signs for “woman” + “judge.” (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Hebrew and Latin that is transliterated as “Nahum” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign depicting “punish a place,” especially referring to Nahum 1 and 3. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The name “Hagar” or “Abataza” means “flight” and derived from that “fugitive,” “immigrant,” “sojourner.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
The term that is transliterated as “Hagar” in English is translated in American Sign Language with the sign for the letter H and “escaped,” referring to Genesis 21:14. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Hagar” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that combines “Egypt” and “servant,” referring to the fact that Hagar was a slave from Egypt (see Genesis 16:1). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Greek that is transliterated as “Silas” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign depicting “chains falling off,” referring to Acts 16:26. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Hebrew, Greek, and Latin that is transliterated as “Habakkuk” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign for “dialog,” referring to the dialog between Habakkuk and God in chapters 1 and 2. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign referring to direct communication with God; the hand shape is the same as the one used for the sign for complaint. Here, it is directed toward God, as if the prophet were lodging a complaint with him (see Habakkuk 1:2ff.) (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)
“Habakkuk” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Habakkuk,” the second and third parts refer to “prophet” and “book” (source )
The Hebrew that is transliterated as “Japheth” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “Europe,” referring to the fact that Japheth traditionally is seen as the forefather of the European people. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The Hebrew that is transliterated as “Samson” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with the signs for “headband” referring to his long hair and likely use of a headband. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
